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‘Tapping into Talent’ conference 26 th March 2012 Jacky Isaac -Human Resources Director. Agenda. About the Ricoh Arena Our strategy Influencing youth engagement Our partnerships Initiatives Conclusions. About us.
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‘Tapping into Talent’ conference 26th March 2012 Jacky Isaac -Human Resources Director
Agenda • About the Ricoh Arena • Our strategy • Influencing youth engagement • Our partnerships • Initiatives • Conclusions
About us • A fast-growing leisure, entertainment and sport venue in the West Midlands • Opened in 2005 the project was seen as a catalyst for urban and economic regeneration and job creation. • Owned by Coventry City Council and the Alan Edward Higgs Charity, a regeneration charity.
The Ricoh Arena is…. • 32,500 capacity stadium, rented to Coventry City Football Club 25 days a year • The stadium’s capacity increases to 40,000 for major concerts • 15,000m2 of conference and event space including a 6000m2 exhibitionhall • An Olympic 2012 football venue • Host venue for Rugby World Cup 2015 • Over 7 million visitors in 6 years • On site De Vere hotel • On site casino
Our strategy • Small stadium management team • Long-term contracts with premium partners for outsourced services • High profile sponsors - key relationships • On site tenants • Involvement with the local community
How could we influence youth engagement? • Engaged our partners, sponsors and tenants • Senior Team involved in the local community • Seek and support local initiatives
Initiatives • On-site De Vere Academy • Recruiting and training apprentices from ‘neets’ population • Customer service and kitchen based craft skills • Compass Group UK – service partner • 17 full time apprenticeships in last two years • Work experience for De Vere Academy students • Internships • Ricoh arena • Business admin apprentices • Budget for 42 week internship • Innovative school work experience programme • Supporting year 10 students with course work • Mentoring and coaching with Princes Trust • Developing foundation degree with Warwickshire College
Initiatives 2 • Princes Trust – ‘Get into’ programme • ‘get into hospitality’ • Two week work experience • Job ready candidates • ‘Life beyond school’ • Mapping of business skills frameworks into education • Project now in 19 schools • 6443 students engaged • Creating skills ladders • Ricoh Arena supplied skills frameworks to support project
Conclusion • Really get involved in the local community • Do not under-estimate the difference that you can make • Evaluate every opportunity • Accept that not everything you do will succeed • Tailor opportunities to meet the need • Celebrate success